Get Your Permit

Your permit is the first step in behind the wheel training. It indicates that you have knowledge of the rules of the road and are ready to drive with a qualified instructor.

If you are between 15 ½ and 17 ½ years of age, you will need to provide proof that you have completed driver education.

TO RECEIVE A PERMIT, YOU MUST:

• Be at least 15-1/2 years of age
• Submitted a completed DMV application form (DL44)
• Provide your legal full name (First, Middle, Last)
• Obtain both parents' or guardians' signatures on the DL44 application form

1. Complete the application (DL44 / DL44C)

OPTION 1: Fill out the Electronic Driver License and Identification Card (ID) Application (DL44) online by clicking on the following button. This will bring you to the DMV website. Follow the instruction to obtain an ID.me account. Once you have an ID.me account, select Get a Card First Time and Driver's License.

OPTION 2: Stop by your local DMV to pick up the form.

Online ID & DL 44

Photo by Dave Poore on Unsplash

2. Schedule your permit test appointment with the DMV

Do this as soon as possible! It may take as long as six weeks to get an appointment. Follow the instructions for an "Office Visit Appointment" after clicking the link below.

Schedule your permit test

3. Take the written permit test at the DMV

Be sure to bring:
1. Certificate of Completion of Driver’s Education (Pink or Blue Certificate)
2. Legal Birth Certificate or Current Passport
3. One of the following to get your Real ID:
         a. Student ID
         b. Copy of a student record
         c. Tax record with your name on it
         d. Bank statement with your name on it
4. Social Security Number
5. DMV Form DL44 -  Have both Parents’ or Guardians’ signatures on the application form.
6. Application Fee of $35.00

Documents required for Real ID

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4. Our special notes on taking the written permit test at the DMV

When you arrive at the DMV, you will be asked to do the following:
1. Verify your identity

• Present an acceptable birth date/legal presence document such as an official birth certificate, current passport, or DMV ID card. 
• Provide your social security number on the DL44 application form. It will be verified with the Social Security Administration.

2. Pay the fee

•  Pay the required $35 application fee.

3. Start out

• Pass an eye exam
• Have your picture taken
• Give a thumb print
• If you are between 15-1/2 and 17-1/2, provide proof that you have  completed Driver Education (Certificate of Completion)

4. Take the  Written Permit Test

• Pass the traffic laws and road signs test

Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash

If you fail the test, you must wait one week before taking it again. This will give you time to study.

The provisional permit is not valid until you start your behind-the-wheel driver training with a licensed instructor or reach the age of 17 ½.

PROVISIONAL PERMIT RESTRICTIONS: You must practice with a parent, guardian, spouse, or an adult 25 years of age or older, who has a valid California driver license. The person must be close enough to take control of the vehicle at any time.
A provisional permit does not let you drive alone – not even to a DMV office to take a driving test. If you have a permit that allows you to drive a motorcycle or moped, you cannot carry passengers and you must ride during the day light hours only and not on the freeway.